A sample storage tube and an automatic operating system for the same

Abstract

[Problem to be solved] To provide a sample storage tube wherein the two-dimensional code and the wireless IC chip are equipped, and there is low interference between the two elements, which can ensure data reading and writing accuracy and reliability. [Solution] A sample storage tube 100 comprise a tube body 120 for storing a sample; a lid 110 for capping the upper opening of the tube body; an information writable area 124 for writing information installed to a bottom surface of the tube body; wherein the information writable area 124 is arrayed in a peripheral portion of the bottom 123 ; and an information non-writable area 125 in which any information cannot be written is secured in a center part of the bottom 123 . Plural of printed information codes 130 are printed on the information writable area 124 . The sizes of the shapes of the printed information code are small, and the amount of the information carried by each printed information code is smaller than the amount of the information to be applied to the information writable area of the sample storage tube. The result obtained from the printed information codes 130 calculated by a predetermined algorithm equals the information writable area of the sample storage tube.

1 . A sample storage tube comprising;
 a tube body for storing a sample;   a lid for capping the upper opening of the tube body;   an information writable area for writing information at a bottom surface of the tube body;   wherein the information writable area is arrayed in a peripheral portion of the bottom of the tube body;   and a information non-writable area in which any information cannot be written is secured in a center part of the bottom of the tube body.   
     
     
         2 . A sample storage tube according to  claim 1 , in which a plurality of printed information codes are distributed and printed around the peripheral portion of the bottom of the tube body,
 wherein each printed information code has a shape corresponding to the information writable area size and each of them can be readable and decodable independently,   wherein the result obtained from the plurality of the printed information codes by using a predetermined algorithm applied to the read and decoded result from the encoded information carried in the printed information codes equals the information to be given to the sample storage tube.   
     
     
         3 . A sample storage tube according to  claim 2 , wherein an IC chip is embedded in or stuck onto the information non-writable area in the center portion of the bottom surface accessible from the outside. 
     
     
         4 . A sample storage tube according to  claim 2 , wherein at least one of the printed information codes is printed check information code that carries check information,
 a group of the printed information codes distributed in the information writable area is recognized by the combination of the encoded information carried in the printed information codes and the check information carried in the printed check information code, and   the information to be given to the sample storage tube is obtained from the plurality of the printed information codes belonging to the same group by using the predetermined algorithm applied to the read and decoded result from the encoded information carried in the printed information codes.   
     
     
         5 . A sample storage tube according to  claim 2 , wherein the bottom shape of the sample storage tube body is circular,
 the shape of the printed information code is two-dimension dot code encoded by general specification, and   the printed information codes can be printed radially from the center portion of the information writable area of the bottom of the tube body.   
     
     
         6 . A sample storage tube according to  claim 2 , wherein the bottom shape of the sample storage tube body is a polygonal shape,
 the shape of the printed information code is two-dimension dot code encoded by general specification, and   the printed information codes can be printed onto the corner portion of the information writable area of the bottom of the tube body.   
     
     
         7 . A sample storage tube according to  claim 1 , wherein the information non-writable area has light transmissive characteristic,
 the lid portion corresponding to the information non-writable area of the bottom of the tube body has light transmissive characteristic, and   an inner sample state can be observed by light irradiated from a light irradiation apparatus to the light detection apparatus wherein the light irradiation apparatus is provided on either the upper side of the lid body or below the bottom surface and a light detecting apparatus is provided on the other side.   
     
     
         8 . A sample storage tube according to  claim 7 , wherein the information non-writable area and the information writable area are molded by a two-color molding apparatus,
 at least the information non-writable area is formed by the light transmissive material and the information writable area is formed by the coloring material containing the color developer for printing the printed information codes onto the information writable area.   
     
     
         9 . A sample storage tube according to  claim 7 , wherein the whole sample tube body is molded with the light transmissive material by a molding apparatus,
 at least the information writable area is coated or printed with the coloring material containing the color developer for printing the printed information codes.   
     
     
         10 . An automatic operating system for sample storage tube for reading and decoding the encoded information carried in the sample storage tube described in  claim 3 , comprising;
 an imaging part for taking a picture image of the sample storage tube from the bottom direction;   an image recognition part for reading the printed information codes included in the picture image obtained by the imaging part;   a grouping part for grouping the printed information codes by using the check result as a hint for searching the printed information codes belonging to the same group obtained by the image recognition part;   an coded information calculating part for calculating the coded information given to the sample storage tube by combining information carried in plurality of the printed information codes belonging to the same group grouped by grouping part;   and a wireless communication for reading the information carried in the IC chip.